The Peugeot 208 T16 Pikes Peak managed the hill climb, here are its specs
Peugeot Sport has proudly presented the intricate technical specifications of the 208 T16 Pikes Peak racer, slated for Sébastien Loeb’s command in the 2013 Pike Peak Hill Climb, scheduled for the culmination of June. The vehicle stands as a testament to engineering prowess, boasting a formidable V6 bi-turbo engine meticulously adapted from the brand’s endurance racing program.
Positioned snugly in the mid-rear of the car, this powerhouse six-cylinder engine is poised to unleash a staggering 875hp, effectively channelling its might to all four wheels and eclipsing the sheer potency of Formula 1 machines. This is more power than most people will ever even get behind the wheel of so it is definitely a strong engine.
Moreover, tipping the scales at a mere 875 kilograms, the Peugeot 208 T16 Pikes Peak achieves an unprecedented horsepower-to-weight ratio of 1:1, a feat that underscores its status as a marvel of modern engineering. The design philosophy draws inspiration from the revered Group B rally cars of the 1980s, a nostalgic homage evident in the strategic placement of the engine.
Jean-Christophe Pallier, an esteemed engineer at Peugeot Sport, extols the liberating freedom afforded by the project, also describing it as an unparalleled canvas for engineering creativity. Despite the looming spectre of time constraints, the journey of crafting this pinnacle of automotive innovation proved to be an immensely fulfilling endeavour.
On top of that, director Bruno Famin underscores the daunting challenge posed by altitude, shedding light on the significant power loss experienced by normally-aspirated engines as they ascend to higher elevations. Thus, the imperative of equipping Loeb’s venture with a formidable power plant becomes glaringly evident.
In stark contrast to its gravel-clad predecessors, today’s iteration of Pikes Peak presents an entirely asphalt terrain. This transformation offers a unique opportunity to configure the vehicle with minimal ground clearance and optimal aerodynamics, thereby maximising its performance potential.
What’s more, Pallier emphasises the pivotal role of aerodynamics in securing a competitive advantage, particularly crucial given the diverse range of speeds encountered throughout the ascent. This was definitely one of the more important factors behind the success of the Peugeot 208 T16 in the hill climb.
The partnership with Michelin further solidifies the preparation for this formidable challenge, as custom tires tailored explicitly for the event promise to provide Loeb with the requisite grip and traction essential for navigating through the treacherous labyrinth of 156 corners strewn along the path to the finish line.
